this week. >> a huge opportunity for mitt romney. he could take this race in the states that he's losing right now and change the dynamic of this race just by standing on stage and performing well. >> so much riding on it. this first debate, viewers, anywhere between 50 million, 60 million viewers are the estimates. this year more important than ever the early voting that's taking place. >> early voting has taken place in key states like iowa right now and voters willing watching now, and voters are going to be wanting this. they're already voting, and the best thing about this debate for these guys, it's the first authentic moment in a while where voters want to tune in and pay attention. it's not a television ad, it's not a convention but a real authentic moment they really take cues from. >> it's something to think about. by election day a third of american voters might have already gone to the poll. >> campaigns used to have to plan toward one election day and now they can plan toward 30 or 35 election days, and that's why this d